Confederate Treasure Cover-up Multi-cache

This cache is based on the novel by local author Peter Viemeister entitled "Confederate Treasure Coverup." The novel explores a possible explanation of the famous Beale Treasure. While some parts of this cache may seem carefully orchestrated and researched, THIS IS JUST FOR FUN, and the sites, names, and stories associated with this Geocache have nothing to do with the Beale Treasure.

Millions know of the Beale Treasure mystery from articles and special programs on ABC, Fox TV, History Channel, Travel Channel, BBC, CBS and even Seoul Broadcasting. But the puzzle still defies solution. Is the treasure real? Where did it come from? Where is it?

The July 2005 issue of Cryptologia says "Viemeister is the most knowledgeable expert on the history and mystery surrounding the Beale treasure." Peter Viemeister is the author of seven history books, including the now-classic resource book, The Beale Treasure - NEW History of a Mystery. Now he has written a brand new book, a novel:

This novel reveals who put it there, how they did it, what became of it, and what became of them, while struggling with ethical and moral issues.

INTRODUCTION

To hunt this cache successfully, you will need the following information:

• First, 19th century surveyors used the Gunter's Chain as their primary measurement. A Gunter's Chain is 66 feet in length. Each chain consists of 4 Poles (which are 16.5 feet in length each). A Gunter's Chain also consists of 100 Links (each link measures 7.92 inches).

• Second, they used the Quadrant System of giving compass bearings. Instead of using a 360 degree bearing (Azimuth) like we do today (due south would be 180 degrees), they divided the compass into four quadrants of 90 degrees each. You will need to translate the Quadrant bearings below to Azimuth bearings. A great guide for doing this conversion can be found at the Kansas Society of Land Surveyors website.

You will need the following tools, in addition to your GPSR:

• A pocket compass

• A way of measuring distance (this could be a long measuring tape, a rangefinder, or simply a keen sense of direction)

Please follow all park rules when searching for this cache. Bikes may be used on paved and double track unpaved trails, but not on single track trails. This cache is completely contained within the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, and a one-way hike/walk of about 4.5 miles can be anticipated, if it is all done on foot (with proper mapping and knowledge of the park system, a car can be used to reach the final stage, and this distance can be reduced).

SURVEY STATION #1

N37° 25.421'    W079° 10.680'

This is the junction of the Blackwater Creek Bikeway, Beaver Trail, and Freer Trail. Of the three posts at this intersection, look for the short (1 foot) post, and use this as your base station for taking your compass sighting. From this post, proceed 10 poles, 22 links at a bearing of South 63 degrees West.

After the Civil War, one of the VMI Cadets (known only by his initials “J.R.D.”) involved in the operation returned to help mark the location of the treasure. His carving features an elaborate star and wings pattern. What year did he make his mark?

___ ___ ___ ___

A     B      B    C

SURVEY STATION #2

N37° 25.170'   W079° 10.429'

Another cadet marked this station with a Magnolia tree that is more uncommon than the typical Southern Magnolia. Standing on the uphill side of the tree, rest your compass against the uphill face of the tree, and shoot a bearing of North 41 East. At a distance of approximately 21 poles, you will find a small cave. Of the several rock features in this area, you are looking for the chamber that has an oblong porthole-like opening, and is more than 25 feet above the road level.

Two North Carolina Infantrymen, William Lipscomb and G.W. Spence, were stationed at this cave during the last days of the war. They left behind a key clue carved into the wall. To the upper left of Lipscomb and Spence’s names, what two-digit number did they inscribe?

___ ___

D     E

While you are here, be sure to grab the Plymouth Rock Cache, if you have not done so already.

FINAL CACHE LOCATION

Fill in the blanks with the numbers from the above stops.